Oral care compositions comprising benzocaine and mucoadhesive thin films formed therefrom

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides oral care compositions. The compositions may be provided in a solid form, such as a film. The compositions can comprise one or more film forming polymers, one or more bioadhesive agents, one or more plasticizers, benzocaine (and optionally one or more further active ingredients), one or more polymeric solvents, and an aqueous solvent. The oral care composition can be a solid or semi-solid composition up to a temperature of at least 40° C. Methods of providing such an oral care compositions are also provided herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to oral compositions useful for providingpain relief, and more particularly to compositions suitable forformation of orally soluble, mucoadhesive thin films.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a pliable and soluble mucoadhesive oralcomposition that is capable of providing targeted and long-lastingdelivery of active ingredients for the temporary relief of pain andvarious oral discomfort ailments including toothaches and mouth sores.

Current solutions for the topical treatment of toothaches and mouthsores are mainly delivered in the form of liquids, pastes, gels,patches, disks and pressed tablets. These forms often dissolve, spreadeasily, or get dislocated and cause numbness throughout the oral mucosa.Furthermore, the existing compositions generally provide only ashort-term analgesic effect.

Accordingly, there is still a desire and a need to provide an oral carecomposition that enables the active ingredient(s) to be deliveredlocally to the treatment site through the oral composition in a muchmore targeted fashion. It is further desirable to provide an oralcomposition that provides a long-lasting pain relief compared toexisting products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to oral care compositions that comprisebenzocaine as an active agent and that are either in a solid form or maybe applied to form a substantially solid film inside the oral cavity.The solid composition is pliable, mucoadhesive, and slowly solublewithin the oral cavity. The oral care compositions overcome deficienciesof the prior art and enable the active ingredient(s) to be deliveredlocally to the treatment site through the mucoadhesive oral compositionin a much more targeted fashion. When applied at the treatment site, theoral care composition provides a long-lasting pain relief as compared tothe existing products. The composition can be a solid or semi-soliddosage form and preferably is in the form of a film that can be easilymolded around a tooth or onto another substantially uneven surfacewithin the oral cavity to deliver an active ingredient, such as a painreliever, thereto. It can provide good adhesion for maximum and targeteddelivery of drug and hence, a more gradual coverage and longer durationof relief from pain and various oral discomfort ailments.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure particularly providesan oral care composition comprising: one or more film forming polymersin a total amount of about 40% to about 80% by weight; one or morebioadhesive agents in a total amount of about 0.5% to about 10% byweight; one or more plasticizers in a total amount of about 0.5% toabout 8% by weight; one or more active agents in a total amount of about2% to about 35% by weight, the one or more active agents including atleast benzocaine; one or more polymeric solvents in which the one ormore active agents is solubilized, the one or more polymeric solventsbeing in a total amount of about 5% to about 20% by weight; and anaqueous medium in an amount of about 0.5% to about 15% by weight; eachof the foregoing amounts being based on the total weight of the oralcare composition. The oral care composition preferably is in the form ofa film having a thickness of about 100 μm to about 500 μm. In furtherembodiments, the oral care composition may be defined in relation to anyone or more of the following statements, which can be combined in anyorder and number.

The one or more film forming polymers can comprise one or more of apolyvinylpyrrolidone, a polysaccharide, and a cellulose derivative.

The one or more film forming polymers can be selected from the groupconsisting of a polyvinylpyrrolidone, pullulan, hydroxypropyl cellulose,pectin, and combinations thereof.

The one or more film forming polymers can include a polyvinylpyrrolidonein an amount of about 20% to about 40% by weight and pullulan in anamount of about 20% to about 40% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe oral care composition.

The one or more bioadhesive agents can comprise one or more of apolycarbophil and a polyol.

The one or more plasticizers can include glycerol in an amount of about0.25% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition.

The one or more active ingredients can further include menthol.

The one or more active ingredients can include benzocaine in an amountof about 2% to about 15% by weight and menthol in an amount of about 2%to about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition.

The one or more polymeric solvents can comprise polyethylene glycol(PEG).

The one or more polymeric solvents can include a first polyethyleneglycol (PEG) having a molecular weight of 1,500 grams per mole or lessand a second polyethylene glycol (PEG) having a molecular weight of2,000 grams per mole or greater.

The first PEG can be present in an amount of about 2% to about 15% byweight, and the second PEG can be present in an amount of about 2% toabout 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition.

The aqueous medium can be present in an amount of about 3% to about 12%by weight, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.

The composition further can comprise one or more opacifiers in a totalamount of about 0.02% to about 2% by weight based on the total weight ofthe composition.

The opacifier can include titanium dioxide.

The film can be configured to dissolve substantially completely incontact with oral mucosa in a time of about 15 minutes to about 120minutes.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure further can relate toa method of making an oral care composition comprising at leastbenzocaine as an active agent. Such method can comprise: solubilizingone or more active agents in one or more polymeric solvents whileheating to a temperature of about 50° C. to about 120° C. to form apremix, the one or more active agents including at least benzocaine;mixing into the premix each of the following components to form a liquidcomposition: one or more film forming polymers; one or more bioadhesiveagents; one or more plasticizers; and water; coating the liquidcomposition onto a backing sheet to form a layer of the compositionhaving a thickness of about 100 μm to about 500 μm; and drying the layerto form a film of the oral care composition having a total water contentof about 5% to about 15% by weight based on the total weight of thefilm. In further embodiments, the method of preparing the oral carecomposition may be defined in relation to any one or more of thefollowing statements, which can be combined in any order and number.

The film of the oral care composition can comprise: a total of about 2%to about 35% by weight of the one or more active agents including atleast benzocaine; a total of about 5% to about 20% by weight of the oneor more polymeric solvents: a total of about 40% to about 80% by weightof the one or more film forming polymers; a total of about 0.5% to about10% by weight of the one or more bioadhesive agents; and a total ofabout 0.5% to about 8% by weight of the one or more plasticizers; eachof the foregoing amounts being based on the total weight of the film ofthe oral care composition.

The drying can comprise applying heated air to the layer of thecomposition on the backing sheet for a time of about 15 minutes to about150 minutes.

The heated air can be applied only from above the layer of thecomposition.

The drying can be carried out by passing the layer of the composition onthe backing sheet through a drying tunnel.

The method further can comprise cutting the film of the oral carecomposition into individual strips having a width of about 10 mm toabout 20 mm and having a length of about 20 mm to about 30 mm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure now will be described more fully hereinafter. Thedisclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Asused in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

The present invention is directed to compositions comprising at leastbenzocaine as an active agent, the compositions being configured forformation of thin films. The formed thin films are mucoadhesive,pliable, orally soluble, and adapted for delivery of one or more activeingredients to an oral surface over a prolonged period of time. Inparticular, the thin films are suitable for providing delivery ofbenzocaine and optionally one or more similar active ingredient (e.g.,menthol) that is adapted for providing temporary pain relief in an areaof the oral cavity, such as the tooth and/or gums in relation to atoothache and/or to an area of the mouth in relation to a mouth sore.The thin film can be sized to be able to cover a suitably large area ofthe oral surface in order to provide the localized delivery of theactive ingredient without substantial migration of the active ingredientto other portions of the oral cavity. Thus, the thin films providetargeted delivery of the active ingredient to achieve a more gradualcoverage and longer duration of action to the intended purpose—e.g.,pain relief.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure can provide oral carecompositions comprising at least benzocaine as an active agent. Suchoral care compositions can be provided in a variety of forms, such asliquids, pastes, putties, pastilles, sheets, and films. In preferredembodiments, the oral care compositions are provided in substantiallysolid forms with a substantially uniform shape, such as pastilles,sheets, and films. The oral care compositions preferably can be a solidor semi-solid composition up to a temperature of at least 40° C.Pastilles, sheets, and films can each be similarly configured as havinga length and a width that is substantially greater than a thicknessthereof. For example, pastilles can be thicker than sheets while sheetscan be thicker than films. In any case, it is preferred that the oralcare composition can be applied to an area of the oral cavity so thatthe oral care composition will be in the form of a substantial solidafter application to the area of the oral cavity. Thus, the oral carecomposition may be provided in a liquid form that may be applied torapidly form a solid. Preferably, the oral care composition is providedin a substantially solid form before application to the area of the oralcavity to provide for simplified application by the user. The oral carecomposition, being in a substantially solid form after application tothe area of the oral cavity, can be configured to dissolve over time torelease an active ingredient locally at the site of application in theoral cavity. Dissolution time can vary as otherwise described herein. Inparticularly preferred embodiments, the oral care composition isprovided in the form of a film having a thickness of about 50 μm toabout 500 μm, about 100 μm to about 350 μm, or about 125 μm to about 250μm. In some embodiments, the film can have a thickness of about 500 μmor less, about 400 μm or less, about 300 μm or less, or about 200 μm orless. In such cases, it is understood that the film has a minimumthickness that is greater than 0. In an exemplary embodiment, suchminimum thickness can be about 50 μm. The film can be provided in theform of strips having a width and length that provide for ease ofapplication to the area of the oral cavity, ease of handling generally,and sufficiently broad area of coverage in the oral cavity to providesufficient local delivery of the active agent. For example, the film canhave a width of about 5 mm to about 25 mm, about 10 mm to about 20 mm,or about 12 mm to about 18 mm. The film can have a length of about 10 mmto about 850 mm, about 15 mm to about 60 mm, about 15 mm to about 35 mm,about 20 mm to about 30 mm, or about 22 mm to about 28 mm. Similarsizing may be applied to other solid forms, such as pastilles andsheets. It is understood, however, that when the oral care compositionis in forms having a greater thickness, the width and/or length of theoral care composition may be lesser than when in the form of a film inorder to deliver a substantially equal amount of the active agent to thelocal area of the oral cavity.

In one or more embodiments, an oral care composition comprising at leastbenzocaine as an active agent according to the present disclosurespecifically can comprise one or more film forming polymers. The filmforming polymer(s) can be specifically configured to cause the oral carecomposition to take on the desired solid form when dried to asufficiently low water content. For example, the desired solid form canbe a film in preferred embodiments as defined above, or may be a sheetor pastille form having a thickness that is greater than the thicknessof a film. Examples of suitable film forming polymers includepolyvinylpyrrolidones, polysaccharides, and cellulose derivatives. Otherknown film forming polymers may be used in combination with or as areplacement for any of the foregoing. In preferred embodiments, however,it has been found that particularly suitable films can be prepared whenthe oral care composition comprises one or more polymers selected fromthe group consisting of a polyvinylpyrrolidone, pullulan, hydroxypropylcellulose, pectin, starch, alginic acid or a derivative thereof, andcombinations thereof. Suitable alginic acid derivatives includes saltsof alginic acid, such as alginates. Suitable cellulose derivativesinclude carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof and hydroxyalkylcellulose or a salt thereof, in which the alkyl group of thecarboxyalkyl cellulose or the hydroxyalkyl cellulose is independentlyselected from C₁₋₅ alkyl, preferably methyl, ethyl or propyl. In someembodiments, only a single film forming polymer may be utilized. Infurther embodiments, it can be useful to use a combination of two filmforming polymers, three film forming polymers, or even more film formingpolymers. Preferably, the film forming polymer can include at leastpullulan, at least a polyvinylpyrrolidone, or at least both of pullulanand a polyvinylpyrrolidone.

The film forming polymer(s) can be present in a total amount of about40% to about 80% by weight based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition. The total amount may be accounted for by a single filmforming polymer or may be the combination of two or more film formingpolymers. Preferably, the film forming polymer(s) are present in a totalamount of about 45% to about 75% by weight, about 50% to about 70% byweight, or about 55% to about 65% by weight, based on the total weightof the oral care composition. In some embodiments, two film formingpolymers can be used, each of which is independently present in anamount of about 20% to about 40% or about 25% to about 35% by weightbased on the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, theoral care composition can comprise a polyvinylpyrrolidone in an amountof about 20% to about 40% or about 25% to about 35% by weight and alsocomprise pullulan in an amount of about 20% to about 40% or about 25% toabout 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition.

In some embodiments, two film forming polymers may be utilized in adefined ratio. For example, a polyvinylpyrrolidone and a polysaccharidemay be combined in a ratio of 3:1 to 1:3, 2:1 to 1:2, or about 1:1. Likeratios may be utilized for any combination of two film forming polymersas described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the oral care composition comprising atleast benzocaine as an active agent can comprise one or more bioadhesiveagents. The bioadhesive agent(s) can be any material that is adapted tocause the oral care composition, particularly when in a solid formfactor, to adhere to oral tissue, particularly oral mucosa, such as thegums. The one or more bioadhesive agents can comprise one or more of apolyacrylic acid and derivatives thereof and/or a gum. The gum may be anatural gum or a synthetic gum. The natural gum may be selected fromcarrageenan, tragacanth and polysaccharide gums. More preferably, whenthe one or more bioadhesive agents comprise a natural gum, it istragacanth gum. The polyacrylic acid may be a high molecular weightpolyacrylic acid such as a carbomer. Polymers of acrylic acid may beeither crosslinked or uncrosslinked. Examples of crosslinking agentsinclude allyl ether pentaerythritol, allyl ethers of sucrose or allyethers of propylene. Crosslinked polymers of acrylic acid are sold underthe trade name Carbopol® by Lubrizol Corporation. The polyacrylic acidderivative may be a polyacrylic acid provided as a salt, such as anammonium, alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt. Cross-linkedpolyacrylic acid, such as those cross-linked with divinyl glycol may beprovided as salts such as alkaline earth metal salts, particularlycalcium salts, also known as polycarbophils. Thus, the polyacrylic acidand derivatives thereof may be one or both of polycarbophil andcarbomer. Any other material that is suitable for providing bioadhesiveproperties, particularly for providing adhesiveness to mucosal tissues,can also be used. In some embodiments, one or more components used inthe present compositions for other purposes as defined herein may alsoprovide a secondary, bioadhesive effect. For example, one or more filmforming polymers (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidones) and/or one or morepolymeric solvents (e.g., PEG) may provide both the primary function asdefined herein as well as providing a secondary function ofbioadhesiveness. It is thus understood that use herein of the term“bioadhesive agent” relates to a material that has a primary function inthe overall composition of providing bioadhesiveness. As noted, however,other components of the composition may have a secondary function ofproviding bioadhesiveness as well.

In some embodiments, only a single component having the primary functionof a bioadhesive agent may be utilized. In further embodiments, it canbe useful to use a combination of two or more components having theprimary function of a bioadhesive agent. Still further, the compositionsmay include a single component having the primary function of abioadhesive agent in combination with one or more components having asecondary function of bioadhesiveness. Likewise, the compositions mayinclude two or more components having the primary function of abioadhesive agent in combination with one or more components having asecondary function of bioadhesiveness. Preferably, the presentcompositions can include at least a polycarbophil as a bioadhesiveagent.

The bioadhesive agent(s) can be present in a total amount of about 0.5%to about 10% by weight based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition. The total amount may be accounted for by a singlebioadhesive agent or may be the combination of two or more bioadhesiveagents. Preferably, the bioadhesive agent(s) are present in a totalamount of about 0.5% to about 8% by weight, about 0.75% to about 6% byweight, or about 1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe oral care composition. In some embodiments, two bioadhesive agentscan be used, each of which is independently present in an amount ofabout 0.25% to about 5% or about 0.5% to about 3% by weight based on thetotal weight of the oral care composition. For example, the oral carecomposition can comprise a polycarbophil in an amount of about 0.25% toabout 5% or about 1% to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe oral care composition. It is understood that the foregoing amountscan expressly exclude the contents of other components otherwisedescribed herein that only provide a secondary function ofbioadhesiveness.

In one or more embodiment, the oral care composition comprising at leastbenzocaine as an active agent can comprise one or more plasticizingagents (or plasticizers). The plasticizer(s) can be any material that isadapted to impart flexibility and/or resilience to solid forms(particularly film forms) of the oral care compositions. Non-limitingexamples of suitable plasticizers include polyols (e.g., glycerol,sorbitol, or sorbitan), monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and lipids.The plasticizer(s) can be present in a total amount of about 0.5% toabout 10% by weight based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition. The total amount may be accounted for by a singleplasticizer or may be the combination of two or more plasticizers.Preferably, the plasticizer(s) are present in a total amount of about0.5% to about 8% by weight, about 0.75% to about 6% by weight, or about1% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition. In some embodiments, two plasticizers can be used, each ofwhich is independently present in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% orabout 1% to about 4% by weight based on the total weight of the oralcare composition. For example, the oral care composition can compriseglycerol (or another polyol) in an amount of about 0.5% to about 5% orabout 1% to about 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the oralcare composition.

In some embodiments, a bioadhesive agent and a plasticizer may beutilized in a defined ratio. For example, a bioadhesive agent and aplasticizer may be combined in a ratio of 3:1 to 1:3, 2:1 to 1:2, orabout 1:1.

The present oral care compositions comprise at least benzocaine as anactive agent. In various embodiments, one or more further activeingredients can be included in the oral care composition. The one ormore further active ingredients can be configured to provide any numberof desired effects. In certain embodiments, the one or more furtheractive ingredients can be configured to provide pain relief and/orsoothing and/or cooling effects. Preferably, the benzocaine and theoptional one or more active ingredients can be present in an amountsuitable for providing oral pain relief. The one or more additionalactive agents can be limited only in that it preferably is an activeagent that is suitable for co-administration with benzocaine.

In some embodiments, the present oral care compositions may compriseonly benzocaine as the active agent and thus may expressly exclude thepresence of any further active agents. In further embodiments, thepresent oral care compositions may comprise benzocaine and menthol asthe active agents and may expressly exclude the presence of any furtheractive agents. In other embodiments, the oral care compositions mayinclude an active agent that consists of benzocaine or may includeactive agents that consist of benzocaine and menthol or may includeactive agents that consist essentially of benzocaine and one or morefurther pain relieving agents.

The benzocaine alone or in combination with one or more further activeingredient(s) can be present in a total amount of about 2% to about 35%by weight based on the total weight of the oral care composition. Thetotal amount may be accounted for by benzocaine or may be thecombination of benzocaine with one or more further active ingredients.Preferably, the benzocaine and the optional one or more further activeingredient(s) are present in a total amount of about 5% to about 25% byweight, about 6% to about 20% by weight, or about 8% to about 18% byweight, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. In someembodiments, two active ingredients (i.e., benzocaine plus oneadditional active ingredient) can be used, each of which isindependently present in an amount of about 1% to about 15% or about 2%to about 12% by weight based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition. For example, the oral care composition can comprisebenzocaine in an amount of about 2% to about 15%, about 5% to about 15%by weight, or about 7% to about 12% and also comprise menthol in anamount of about 1% to about 15% or about 2% to about 8% by weight, basedon the total weight of the oral care composition.

While various polymeric materials can be particularly suitable for useherein as film-forming polymers, one or more active ingredient(s) usefulherein may not be particularly soluble in the film-forming polymer.Benzocaine in particular can be difficult to solubilize in variousfilm-forming polymers. Accordingly, in various embodiments, the oralcare compositions of the present disclosure further can include one ormore polymeric solvents in which the one or more active agents issolubilized. The polymeric solvents can include any polymeric materialin which the active ingredient exhibits higher solubility when comparedto the film-forming polymer and which is suitable for intermixing withthe film-forming polymer.

In order to improve solubilization of the benzocaine (and optionallymenthol), it can be particularly useful for the polymeric solvent toinclude one or more polyalkylene glycols, wherein the alkylene group ofeach polyalkylene glycol is independently selected from C₂-C₅ alkylenei.e. ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene and the structural isomersthereof, such as n-propylene, i-propylene etc. Preferably the alkylenegroup is selected from ethyl or propyl. In some embodiments, the one ormore polyalkylene glycols may particularly include one or morepolyethylene glycols (PEG). It can be particularly beneficial to utilizetwo different polyalkylene glycols—i.e., at least a first polyalkyleneglycol and a second polyalkylene glycol. The first polyalkylene glycoland the second polyalkylene glycol can be different in that they candiffer in one or both of their molecular weight and the chain length ofalkylene group. Thus, at least two polyalkylene glycols for use in thepresent compositions may comprise two polyalkylene glycols having thesame alkylene group but different molecular weights or may comprise twopolyalkylene glycols having different alkylene groups and the same ordifferent molecular weights. The at least two polyalkylene glycols maycomprise a lower molecular weight polyalkylene glycol and a highermolecular weight polyalkylene glycol. For the avoidance of doubt theterms “lower” and “higher” are relative to one another, such that thelower molecular weight polyalkylene glycol has a molecular weight thatis less than a molecular weight of the higher molecular weightpolyalkylene glycol, and the higher molecular weight polyalkylene glycolhas a molecular weight that is higher than a molecular weight of thelower molecular weight polyalkylene glycol. In particular, it has beenfound according to the present disclosure that utilizing two differentpolyalkylene glycols can be particularly beneficial for bothsolubilizing the benzocaine initially and also providing stabilizationof the solubilized benzocaine in the overall film composition. A firstpolyalkylene glycol thus improves initial solubilization of thebenzocaine, and a second polyalkylene glycol improves stabilization ofthe solubilized benzocaine. In exemplary embodiments where differentmolecular weights are utilized, the polymeric solvent can comprise afirst polyalkylene glycol having a first average molecular weight and asecond polyalkylene glycol having a second average molecular weight. Thefirst average molecular weight is different from the second averagemolecular weight. Preferably, the second average molecular weight isgreater than the first average molecular weight by a factor of at least1.5, a factor of at least 2, a factor of at least 4, a factor of atleast 5, a factor of at least 8, or a factor of at least 10.

In some embodiments, a first polyalkylene glycol (particularly a firstPEG) useful as a polymeric solvent can be characterized in terms ofhaving a low molecular weight relative to the second polyalkylene glycol(particularly a second PEG). As an example, the first polyalkyleneglycol (or first PEG) may have an average molecular weight of about2,000 grams per mole or less, about 1,500 grams per mole or less, orabout 1,000 grams per mole or less. Preferably, in such embodiments, thefirst polyalkylene glycol (or first PEG) has an average molecular weightof at least 100 grams per mole. In certain embodiments, the firstpolyalkylene glycol (or first PEG) may have an average molecular weightof about 100 grams per mole to about 1,000 grams per mole, about 200grams per mole to about 800 grams per mole, or about 250 grams per moleto about 600 grams per mole. In other embodiments, the firstpolyalkylene glycol (or first PEG) may have an average molecular weightof about 200 grams per mole to about 2,000 grams per mole, about 250grams per mole to about 1,500 grams per mole, or about 300 grams permole to about 1,200 grams per mole.

In some embodiments, a second polyalkylene glycol (or second PEG) usefulas a polymeric solvent can be characterized in terms of having a highmolecular weight relative to the first polyalkylene glycol (or firstPEG). As an example, the second polyalkylene glycol (or second PEG) mayhave an average molecular weight of about 2,000 grams per mole or more,about 2,500 grams per mole or more, or about 3,000 grams per mole ormore. Preferably, in such embodiments, the second polyalkylene glycol(or second PEG) has an average molecular weight of no more than about20,000 grams per mole. In certain embodiments, the second polyalkyleneglycol (or second PEG) may have an average molecular weight of about2,000 grams per mole to about 10,000 grams per mole, about 2,500 gramsper mole to about 8,000 grams per mole, or about 3,000 grams per mole toabout 6,000 grams per mole. In other embodiments, the secondpolyalkylene glycol (or second PEG) may have an average molecular weightof about 2,500 grams per mole to about 20,000 grams per mole, about3,000 grams per mole to about 15,000 grams per mole, or about 3,500grams per mole to about 10,000 grams per mole.

The one or more polymeric solvents preferably are present in a totalamount of about 5% to about 20% by weight, based on the total weight ofthe oral care composition. The total amount may be accounted for by asingle polymeric solvent or may be the combination of two or morepolymeric solvents. Preferably, the polymeric solvent(s) are present ina total amount of about 6% to about 18% by weight, about 7% to about 16%by weight, or about 8% to about 15% by weight, based on the total weightof the oral care composition. In some embodiments, two polymericsolvents can be used, each of which is independently present in anamount of about 2% to about 15% or about 2% to about 10% by weight basedon the total weight of the oral care composition. For example, the oralcare composition can comprise a first polyalkylene glycol (or a firstPEG) having a low molecular weight (as defined herein) in an amount ofabout 2% to about 15% or about 5% to about 12% by weight and alsocomprise a second polyalkylene glycol (or a second PEG) having a highmolecular weight (as defined herein) in an amount of about 2% to about10% or about 3% to about 8% by weight, based on the total weight of theoral care composition.

In some embodiments, two polymeric solvents may be utilized in a definedratio. For example, when a first, low molecular weight PEG and a second,high molecular weight PEG is used, the first PEG and the second PEG maybe combined in a ratio of 4:1 to 1:2, 3:1 to 1:1, or 2.5:1 to 1.5:1.

In one or more embodiments, an aqueous medium may also be utilized informing the oral care composition. The aqueous medium preferablycomprises water, more preferably substantially pure water; however,salts, buffers, or the like also may be included in the aqueous medium.In some embodiments, the aqueous medium can comprise about 0.5% to about15% by weight, about 1% to about 14%, about 2% to about 13%, about 3% toabout 12%, or about 5% to about 11% by weight of the overall oral carecomposition. In some embodiments, drying can be carried out to achieve acomposition with an overall water or moisture content of about 1% toabout 15%, about 3% to about 15%, or about 5% to about 15%, or about 5%to about 12% by weight, based on the total weight of the overall oralcare composition. The water content of the oral care composition may beparticularly relevant to the composition in its final form. For example,when the oral care composition is provided in a film form, it can beparticularly useful for the film to be dried to a final moisture contentor final water content, and such moisture content or water content canbe within a range as defined above. The defined moisture level ispreferred to provide the desired level of pliability and tensilestrength to films formed of the composition while avoiding undesirablebrittleness.

The oral care composition, in some embodiments, can include one or moreopacifying agents. Suitable opacifiers can include any material suitablefor causing a solid form of the oral care composition to besubstantially opaque. For example, metal oxides may be utilized asopacifiers, and specific, non-limiting examples of suitable metal oxidesinclude titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and iron oxide. Examples of othermaterials suitable for use as an opacifier include magnesium carbonate,talc, and the like. One or more opacifiers, and particularly one or moremetal oxides, may be included in the oral care composition in a totalamount of about 0.02% to about 2% by weight, about 0.05% to about 1.5%by weight, or about 0.08% to about 1% by weight, based on the totalweight of the composition.

In various embodiments, the oral care composition can further compriseone or more additional ingredients. For example, the oral carecomposition can comprise at least one of a pH adjusting agent,sweetener, a surfactant, a preservative, a coloring agent, a deliveryenhancing polymer, and a flavoring agent.

The pH adjusting agent may be selected from the group comprising, sodiumhydroxide, potassium hydroxide, citric acid, lactic acid, phosphoricacid and sodium bicarbonate. Preferably the pH adjusting agent is sodiumhydroxide. Too low a pH may result in the undesirable etching of teeth.The oral composition may have a pH in the range of about 5 to about 8,about 5 to about 7.5, about 5 to about 7, or about 5 to about 6.5.

A surfactant present in the oral care compositions can be an ionicsurfactant or a non-ionic surfactant. Preferably the non-ionicsurfactant comprises one or more fatty acids, which may be saturated orunsaturated. More preferably the non-ionic surfactant comprises at leastone unsaturated fatty acid such as oleic acid and/or linoleic acid andoptionally at least one saturated fatty acid such as palmitic acidand/or stearic acid. Preferably, if present, the surfactant is providedin an amount of about 0.01% by weight to about 5% by weight based on thedry weight of the oral composition.

A polymeric compound which enhances the delivery of the active agent mayalso be present. Examples of such delivery enhancing polymers includecopolymers of polyvinylmethylether with maleic anhydride.

In some embodiments, a sweetener can be present in an amount in therange of about 0.1% to about 1% by weight, or about 0.2% to about 0.5%by weight, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. Thesweetener may be a sugar substitute, such as an artificial sugarsubstitute or a natural sugar substitute. The artificial sugarsubstitute may be selected from the group comprising sucralose,aspartame, advantame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium and cyclamate,with sucralose being preferred. The natural sugar substitute may beselected from the group comprising erythritol, mannitol, Stevia,sorbitol and xylitol. Preferably the sweetener is sucralose.

In some embodiments, a flavoring agent can be present in an amount ofabout 0.1% to about 2% by weight, or about 0.5% to about 1% by weight,based on the total weight of the oral care composition. The flavoringagent may be an artificial flavoring or a natural flavoring. Theflavoring agent may be one or more selected from the group comprisingherb flavoring, such as mint, for instance spearmint or peppermint, aspice flavoring such as ginger, cinnamon or vanilla, or a fruitflavoring such as apple, grape, orange, pear or strawberry. Preferablythe flavoring agent is peppermint.

In further embodiments, the oral care composition can comprise one ormore preservatives. Non-limiting examples of suitable preservativesinclude butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA),potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and the like. One ormore preservatives can be included in the oral care composition in atotal amount of about 0.02% to about 2% by weight, about 0.05% to about1.5% by weight, or about 0.08% to about 1% by weight, based on the totalweight of the composition.

Still further, the oral care composition can include one or more naturalor artificial colors as desired, preferably in an amount of 0.001% byweight to about 0.2% by weight, or about 0.01% by weight to about 0.1%by weight. The coloring agent may be, for example, FD&C blue No. 1 andlike materials.

The present oral care compositions can be particularly beneficial toprovide benzocaine (and optionally one or more further pain reliefactive ingredients) to areas of the oral cavity. In such embodiments,the present oral care compositions, particularly when on a surface ofthe oral cavity, are effective to deliver the pain relief activeingredient(s) for an extended duration of time. While it is desirablefor the oral composition to be dissolvable within the oral cavity, theoral composition must persist in the oral cavity for a sufficient timeto provide a useful effect. Preferably, the present oral compositiondissolves within the oral cavity after application to a surface thereofand provides a pain-relieving effect (or other effect consistent withthe mode of action of the active ingredient) for a time of at least 15minutes, at least 30 minutes, or at least 45 minutes (e.g., up to a timeof about 4 hours, up to a time of about 3 hours, or up to a time ofabout 2 hours). In some embodiments, the present oral compositiondissolves within the mouth and provides a pain-relieving effect (orother effect consistent with the mode of action of the activeingredient) for a time of about 20 minutes to about 180 minutes, about30 minutes to about 150 minutes, or about 45 minutes to about 120minutes.

The ability to provide the desired effect from delivery of the activeingredient can depend upon the ability of the oral care composition topersist within the oral cavity, particularly being substantially adheredto a specific area of a surface of the oral cavity, for a sufficientlylong period of time. It is generally understood that the oral carecomposition, when adhered to a surface of the oral cavity in asubstantially solid form, will be expected to dissolve over time due tocontact with saliva and/or other mucosal secretions within the oralcavity. Preferably, a solid form of the oral care composition whensubstantially adhered to a surface of the oral cavity can remain in asemi-solid or solid state for a time of about 5 minutes or greater,about 20 minutes or greater, about 30 minutes or greater, or about 45minutes or greater. It is understood that the solid form of the oralcare composition will be expected to substantially completely dissolvewithin the oral cavity within a maximum time, such as a maximum time ofabout 4 hours, about 3 hours, or about 2 hours. In certain embodiments,the oral care composition can remain in a semi-solid or solid state whenin the oral cavity for a time of about 15 minutes to about 120 minutes,about 20 minutes to about 100 minutes, or about 30 minutes to about 90minutes. As such, the oral care composition, when present in the oralcavity in a substantially solid form, such as a film, can be configuredto dissolve substantially completely when in contact with oral mucosa ina time of about 15 minutes to about 120 minutes.

In one or more embodiments, the present disclosure further providesmethods of making oral care compositions as described herein.Preferably, the methods comprise first formulating a premix thatincludes the benzocaine (and optionally one or more further activeagents) and the one or more polymeric solvents. Specifically, this caninclude solubilizing the benzocaine in the one or more polymericsolvents while heating or while heating and mixing. If one or morefurther active agents are used, such further active agents may be addedat this stage or added later with the remaining components of thecomposition. Solubilizing of the benzocaine with simultaneous heatingand mixing can be achieved, for example, using a hotplate and ahomogenizer. The combination of the benzocaine and the polymericsolvent(s) can be heated, for example, to a temperature of about 50° C.to about 120° C., about 60° C. to about 115° C., or about 70° C. toabout 110° C. to form the premix. It is understood that not all activeingredients will necessitate formation of a premix. As noted above, oneor more active ingredients may be included in a premix, and one or moreactive ingredients may be added to the main mixture.

After the premix has been formed (i.e., the benzocaine has beensubstantially completely dissolved in the polymeric solvent(s) used),the remaining components of the oral care composition can be mixed intothe premix to form the main mixture. At a minimum, the method ofpreparation can comprise mixing into the premix at least one or morefilm forming polymers, one or more bioadhesive agents, one or moreplasticizers, and water (or another aqueous solvent) to form a liquidcomposition. The liquid composition will be a viscous liquid, and mixingthus may be carried out using, for example, a high shear vacuum mixer toachieve mixing and degassing of the solution to form a liquidcomposition. Mixing is preferably carried out until a substantiallyhomogeneous mixture is achieved and all of the components of the oralcare composition have been incorporated into the solution.

The so-formed liquid composition can then be processed into the desiredend form of the oral care composition. For example, the composition maybe placed into molds to form pastilles or poured into cooling pans toform sheets that may be cut to desired sizes. In certain embodiments, tofacilitate forming of films, the liquid composition can be coated onto abacking sheet to form a layer of the composition having the desiredthickness as otherwise described herein. The backing sheet preferably iscoated with a release layer, such as a wax or similar coating that willall of the formed film to be readily released therefrom. A knife orother blade may be used to coat the liquid composition to the desiredthickness. Preferably, the film has a sufficient viscosity such that,after coating onto the backing sheet, the liquid composition will notsubstantially spread and will thus remain substantially consistent inthickness across the total surface of the coated liquid composition.

The liquid composition finally can be dried to the desired total watercontent as otherwise described herein to achieve the end product in asubstantially solid form. Drying can comprise applying heated air to thelayer of the composition on the backing sheet. Such heated air may beprovided at a temperature that is above ambient and up to a temperaturethat is below the melting point of the film forming polymer(s). Forexample, the air can be a temperature of about 30° C. to about 60° C. Ifdesired, ambient temperature air or even cooled air may be applied tofacilitate drying of the film. The drying air may be applied for a timeof about 15 minutes to about 150 minutes, about 20 minutes to about 150minutes, or about 20 minutes to about 120 minutes. The oral carecomposition can be configured such that drying takes a minimum amount oftime regardless of the application of drying air. Thus, while theapplication of the drying air can expedite drying, the film willtypically take a time of at least 15 minutes, at least 20 minutes, atleast 30 minutes, or at least 40 minutes to achieve the desired watercontent and thus be a self-supporting, solid composition that is nolonger tacky and may be further processed for packaging of the product.In particular, drying may require a time of about 15 minutes to about240 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 220 minutes, about 45 minutes toabout 200 minutes, or about 60 minutes to about 150 minutes. In someembodiments, the drying air may be applied only from above the layer ofthe composition and, as such, application of air from below the layer ofthe composition (i.e., application of air to the backing layer) may beexcluded. As a non-limiting example, drying of the film may be carriedout by passing the layer of the composition on the backing sheet througha drying tunnel. In such tunnel, drying air may be applied along theentire length of the drying tunnel or only at a portion of the tunnel.Drying air may be forced air (e.g., provided via fans or blowers). Insome embodiments, convection heating may be used for drying. As such,heating elements above the film layer may generate convective currentsthat facilitate drying of the film.

After the film has dried, the film may be cut to desired dimensions. Forexample, this may comprise cutting the film of the oral care compositioninto individual strips having a width of about 10 mm to about 20 mm andhaving a length of about 20 mm to about 30 mm. Cutting to otherdimensions as otherwise described herein is also encompassed. Theindividual film strips may be packaged as desired into containers with adefined number of strips per package.

The oral composition or film obtainable by the method of makingdisclosed herein may be used in a method of administering benzocaine(and optionally one or more further active agents) to an oral or buccalcavity. The method can comprise at least the step of applying the oralcomposition obtained as described herein to a portion of an oral orbuccal cavity. In further embodiments, the oral composition may first bereleased from its sterile packaging. Subsequently, any backing sheet isremoved, for instance by peeling the oral composition or film from thebacking sheet. Once the oral composition is free from any other layers,it may be applied to a portion of an oral or buccal cavity.

Embodiments of the presently disclosed oral care composition weresubjected to consumer acceptability testing to evaluate effectivenessand desirability of the product. Specifically, adults who had recentlyused a topical toothache medication during the preceding six months wereasked to use the present oral care composition in a film form andprovided comments thereon. Results of such testing showed high consumeracceptability of the present oral care composition along with thefollowing conclusion. The present oral care composition provides asoothing effect and is comfortable to use in the oral cavity. Inaddition to delivering pain relieving medication, the oral carecomposition films were found to provide a soft, comfortable barrier foran aching tooth or mouth sore. This created an advantageous differenceover known, topical analgesics used for dental or mouth pain. Whereasknown topical analgesics for oral use have been found to producenumbness over substantially the entire mouth, tongue, and throat due totheir dislocation from the point of application and/or excessivedripping, the present oral care compositions overcome such problem byremaining substantially in place once adhered to a localized site withinthe oral cavity. As such, only localized numbing is provided to theactual area of application with minimal numbing effect to other areas ofthe oral cavity. Solid forms of the present oral care composition, suchas films in particular, can be easily molded and applied over the areaof the oral cavity where pain relief is needed. The film easily adheresto the tooth, gum, or other oral mucosal surface and thereby providesimmediate relief and the maximum level of analgesic active ingredient tobe delivered to the pain site. To this end, the film is preferablyconfigured to be repositionable for a minimum period of time to allowfor ease of application. For example, the film can be repositionable fora time of up to 2 minutes, such as about 5 seconds to about 2 minutes,about 10 seconds to about 1 minute, or about 15 seconds to about 45seconds. Repositionable means that the film can be removed and reappliedor can be slid along the oral surface without substantial tearing orother degradation of the film. Once the film has adhered to the oralsurface and is no longer considered repositionable, the film issubstantially unable to be moved or removed and reapplied withouttearing or otherwise destroying the film. Preferably, once the oral carecomposition film has been applied and adhered to the surface of the oralcavity, the film remains in place for the duration of effectiveness ofthe product (i.e., until complete dissolution of the product), and thefilm is not dislodged from its location by activities such as talking ordrinking.

Example

Table 1 below provides ingredients included in an embodiment of the oralcare composition of the present invention. The ingredients are listed byorder of addition. Table 1 also includes the weight percentage of eachingredient, based on the total weight of the oral care composition. Theprimary function of each ingredient is also included.

TABLE 1 Oral Care Composition Formula 1 Batch Ingredient FunctionWeightPercentage Premix PEG 400 Polymeric solvent 2-15 wt. % Premix PEG4000 Polymeric solvent 2-10 wt. % Premix Benzocaine Active agent 5-15wt. % Main Polyvinylpyrrolidone Film forming 20-40 wt. % polymer MainPullulan Film forming 20-40 wt. % polymer Main Polycarbophil Bioadhesiveagent 0.75-9 wt. % Main Glycerol Plasticizer 0.5-8 wt. % Main MentholActive agent 2-8 wt. % Main Potassium sorbate Preservative 0.2-2 wt. %Main Titanium dioxide Opacifier 0.2-2 wt. % Main Brilliant Blue Colorant0.001-0.02 wt. % Main Water Solvent 0.05-15 wt. %

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description; andit will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations andmodifications of the present disclosure can be made without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to beunderstood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. An oral care composition comprising: one or more film formingpolymers in a total amount of about 40% to about 80% by weight; one ormore bioadhesive agents in a total amount of about 0.5% to about 10% byweight; one or more plasticizers in a total amount of about 0.5% toabout 8% by weight; one or more active agents in a total amount of about2% to about 35% by weight, said one or more active agents includingbenzocaine; one or more polymeric solvents in which the one or moreactive agents is solubilized, the one or more polymeric solvents beingin a total amount of about 5% to about 20% by weight; and an aqueousmedium in an amount of about 0.5% to about 15% by weight; each of theforegoing amounts being based on the total weight of the oral carecomposition; wherein the oral care composition is in the form of a filmhaving a thickness of about 50 μm to about 500 μm.
 2. The oral carecomposition of claim 1, wherein the one or more film forming polymerscomprises one or more of a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a polysaccharide, and acellulose derivative.
 3. The oral care composition of claim 1, whereinthe one or more film forming polymers is selected from the groupconsisting of a polyvinylpyrrolidone, pullulan, hydroxypropyl cellulose,pectin, and combinations thereof.
 4. The oral care composition of claim1, wherein the one or more film forming polymers includes apolyvinylpyrrolidone in an amount of about 20% to about 40% by weightand pullulan in an amount of about 20% to about 40% by weight, based onthe total weight of the oral care composition.
 5. The oral carecomposition of claim 1, wherein the one or more bioadhesive agentscomprises a polycarbophil.
 6. The oral care composition of claim 1,wherein the one or more plasticizers includes glycerol in an amount ofabout 0.25% to about 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the oralcare composition.
 7. The oral care composition of claim 1, wherein theone or more active ingredients further includes menthol.
 8. The oralcare composition of claim 1, wherein the one or more active ingredientsincludes benzocaine in an amount of about 2% to about 15% by weight andmenthol in an amount of about 2% to about 20% by weight based on thetotal weight of the oral care composition.
 9. The oral care compositionof claim 1, wherein the one or more polymeric solvents comprises one ormore different polyalkylene glycols.
 10. The oral care composition ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more polymeric solvents includes a firstpolyethylene glycol (PEG) having a molecular weight of 1,500 grams permole or less and a second polyethylene glycol (PEG) having a molecularweight of 2,000 grams per mole or greater.
 11. The oral care compositionof claim 10, wherein the first PEG is present in an amount of about 2%to about 15% by weight, and the second PEG is present in an amount ofabout 2% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the oralcare composition.
 12. The oral care composition of claim 1, wherein theaqueous medium is present in an amount of about 3% to about 12% byweight, based on the total weight of the oral care composition.
 13. Theoral care composition of claim 1, wherein the composition furthercomprises one or more opacifiers in a total amount of about 0.02% toabout 2% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
 14. Theoral care composition of claim 13, wherein the opacifier includestitanium dioxide.
 15. The oral care composition of claim 1, wherein thefilm is configured to dissolve substantially completely in contact withoral mucosa in a time of about 15 minutes to about 120 minutes.
 16. Amethod of making an oral care composition comprising: solubilizing oneor more active agents in one or more polymeric solvents while heating toa temperature of about 50° C. to about 120° C. to form a premix, whereinthe one or more active agents includes benzocaine; mixing into thepremix each of the following components to form a liquid composition:one or more film forming polymers; one or more bioadhesive agents; oneor more plasticizers; and water; coating the liquid composition onto abacking sheet to form a layer of the composition having a thickness ofabout 100 μm to about 500 μm; drying the layer to form a film of theoral care composition having a total water content of about 3% to about15% by weight based on the total weight of the film.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the film of the oral care composition comprises: atotal of about 2% to about 35% by weight of the one or more activeagents; a total of about 5% to about 20% by weight of the one or morepolymeric solvents: a total of about 40% to about 80% by weight of theone or more film forming polymers; a total of about 0.5% to about 10% byweight of the one or more bioadhesive agents; and a total of about 0.5%to about 8% by weight of the one or more plasticizers; each of theforegoing amounts being based on the total weight of the film of theoral care composition.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the dryingcomprises applying heated air to the layer of the composition on thebacking sheet for a time of about 20 minutes to about 150 minutes. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein the heated air is applied only fromabove the layer of the composition.
 20. The method of claim 18, whereinthe drying is carried out by passing the layer of the composition on thebacking sheet through a drying tunnel.
 21. The method of claim 16,further comprising cutting the film of the oral care composition intoindividual strips having a width of about 10 mm to about 20 mm andhaving a length of about 20 mm to about 30 mm.